Biological Parameters Explain Why Shorter or Smaller People have Lower Cardiovascular Disease and Greater Longevity

Aim: To identify biological parameters that are related to the greater longevity and lower cardiovascular disease risk of shorter, lighter people.

Study Design: The study for this paper was conducted over the last 2 years but was based on papers and reports published over the last 40 years, which is when the author started studying the impact of body size on health and longevity. It was decided that the research would focus on how body size affects human health, mortality from chronic diseases and longevity. Human body size factors were height, weight and body mass index. Biological parameters included serum levels of insulin, IGF-1, and adiponectin. Other types of parameters included: blood pressure, the FOXO3 gene, left ventricular mass, telomeres, and DNA damage.

Methodology: Numerous biological parameters were identified by reviewing papers and notes taken over 40 years. These parameters were identified in relation to how height, weight and body mass index impact our health or longevity. Approximately, 5000 papers and reports were reviewed and parameters affecting our health and longevity were recorded.

Results: A list of 36 biological parameters and related factors was created that shows how each parameter is related to one or more body size factors (height, weight or body mass index). In addition, undesirable changes in parameters were identified in relation to the increase in height, weight, or body mass index.

Conclusions: Reduction in height, weight, and body mass index is related to improved biological parameters and explains why many studies find shorter, lighter people tend to have delayed incidence of chronic diseases and live longer. However, poor nutrition, excess weight, smoking, genetics, and socioeconomic (SES) status can affect biological parameters independent of body size characteristics.